Cheoy Lee 44 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the used Cheoy Lee 44 means choosing between two distinct cockpit philosophies from a Robert Perry design built from the late 1970s to the very early 1980s. Both center- and aft-cockpit versions share the same 43-foot 10-inch hull with a 13-foot 3-inch beam, a moderate fin keel with internal ballast, and a skeg-hung rudder. The boat's balsa-cored sandwich construction with solid glass below the waterline and heavy, liner-free lay-up gives a solid foundation, but the teak-planked decks are where age shows first.
Layouts on the Used Market
The center-cockpit model uses a two-cabin, two-head plan with a deep, roomy cockpit that seats six and a slightly offset starboard companionway. Aft, the master stateroom has a giant fore-and-aft bunk, abundant hanging lockers and drawers, a vanity, and a full head with stall shower to port; the starboard walk-through holds a large nav station with desk space. The aft-cockpit version is more open below, offering an aft cabin and quarter berth, a head/shower to port, and a large outboard-facing nav station. Both galleys are to port with a three-burner stove, oven, and top-loading reefer; some models have only a single sink. Saloons on either version pair an L-shaped settee with a straight settee and a drop-leaf table for eight.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
On the used market, chartplotters, freezers, air conditioning, and washing machines are commonly fitted, reflecting how many 44s were equipped for liveaboard use. Often-seen upgrades include watermakers and solar for independent power, furling mains and biminis for easier sail handling and shade, plus hardtops, dinghy davits, teak decks, and life rafts. For a buyer, the power-and-energy cluster (watermaker, solar) signals self-sufficiency, while canvas and davits point to a boat set up for extended time aboard. Navigation and comfort items such as a chartplotter and air conditioning are usual rather than exceptional.
What to Inspect
Because many of these boats have needed deck replacement with age, examine the teak-planked decks and screwed planking for softness or prior renewal. On center-cockpit boats, the Isuzu engine under the companionway steps was known for significant vibration, so run it and feel for excessive shake center-cockpit Isuzu vibration. Some owners report the engines feel undersized for beating to weather. In aft-cockpit boats, confirm the Perkins 4-108 or Isuzu 40 is reachable through the saloon floorboards and check the hot-water heater access. Galley sink configuration varies, so verify if a single sink matters to you.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
These yachts typically appear in the United States, United Kingdom, and Sint Maarten (Dutch part). When evaluating a Cheoy Lee 44, a short checklist helps:
- Confirm deck condition and any replacement history
- Identify engine type and note center-cockpit Isuzu vibration
- Choose cockpit layout for your liveaboard or voyaging style
- Verify galley sink count and rig gear (wooden spars, winch size)
- Check for commonly fitted comforts versus owner-added upgrades
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Cheoy Lee 44. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 2 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 1 | $29,900 | — |
| May 26 | 1 | $29,900 | 0.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
6 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSY 44 | 44' | $ 49,900 | 33 | 5 |
| Swan 44 | 44' | $ 168,145 | 23 | 4 |
| Morgan Yachts Morgan 44 | 44' | $ 84,900 | 19 | 0 |
| Hylas 44 | 44.17' | $ 129,495 | 14 | 3 |
| Sunbeam 44 | 43.96' | $ 189,444 | 11 | 1 |
| Cheoy Lee 44You are here | — | $ 29,900 | 1 | 0 |